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Let’s face it, hair care is essential to our daily lives, so it only seems natural to include essential oils into this routine. Plant Therapy Essential Oils are high quality, with absolutely no additives or fillers, which make them ideal for hair care use. The best way to maintain beautiful, luscious locks is by using all natural products to keep our hair at it’s best. That is where essential oils come into play.

Although there are a variety of different hair types, we will only cover some of the most common ones in this post. Hopefully, you can take some of the ideas here and apply it to your hair care routine. Healthy hair is only an essential oil away.

Dry/Damaged Hair

Dry/damaged hair is very common; we use high-heat tools, color our hair, pull our hair up in tight elastics, and the list goes on. Our hair, in general, goes through a lot, and it is always a great idea to take some time to show it some TLC. Fractionated Coconut Oil is hair’s best friend and lucky for you, Plant Therapy has plenty. You can use Coconut Oil for a deep conditioning treatment, a daily detangler, and as a natural thermal protectant. For the daily detangler just apply a light amount of Coconut Oil to wet hair from root to tip and brush through the tangles with a brush or comb. No need to wash out, just dry and style as usual. This method works for the natural thermal protectant too. The great thing with Coconut Oil is it will nourish your hair all day long.

What you’ll do:

Mix Shea Butter and Virgin Coconut Oil(I use a fork since they are both so soft)

Add and mix all carrier oils and essential oil (I used my mixer for this).

Store in a cool dark place.

Makes approximately 3 applications.

To use:

Apply mask generously to your hair, let sit for 10-30 minutes and wash with an all natural shampoo.

Oily Scalp

An oily scalp is caused by overactive sebaceous glands, which produce excessive amounts of sebum. It might seem counterproductive to add more oils to an oily scalp, but essential oils are a concentrated, volatile, aromatic liquid that is obtained from the fruits, seeds, flowers, bark, stems, roots, leaves or other parts of a plant. Their makeup and properties are exactly what your oily scalp needs to be more balanced.

6 Essential Oils that help with an oily scalp are Lavender, Rosemary 1,8-Cineole, Lemon, Cedarwood Atlas, Chamomile (all types), and Eucalyptus Globulus. These different oils can be used to combat flaky scalps, balance out the natural oils of the scalp, and soothe and nourish the scalp. Add these oils to your favorite shampoo or try one of these No Poo recipes that will help limit the number of chemicals you use on your hair and combat an oily scalp.

Recipe 1

What you’ll need:

What you’ll do:

Dissolve baking soda into water.

Add other ingredients, shaking well to combine.

Use in place of your regular shampoo and condition as needed.

*If you choose not to use a preservative you will need to store it in the fridge. Optiphen plus is a preservative which reduces the instance of bacterial growth in water-based products. We recommend that a preservative be used in any water-based products that you make at home. This is a great choice since it contains no parabens, no formaldehyde, and are not formaldehyde contributors.

Recipe 2

What you’ll need:

What you’ll do:

Combine all ingredients in a container.

Shake well to combine and before each use.

Use in place of your regular shampoo and condition as needed.

*If you choose not to use a preservative you will need to store it in the fridge. Optiphen plus is a preservative which reduces the instance of bacterial growth in water-based products. We recommend that a preservative be used in any water-based products that you make at home. This is a great choice since it contains no parabens, no formaldehyde, and are not formaldehyde contributors.

Keep in mind that when changing hair care routine, you’ll need to give your hair time to adjust to the new product. Traditional shampoos strip the natural oils from your head. When you switch to a more natural cleansing process your body may seem to over produce oils on the scalp. However, in reality, the body is simply trying to replace what was once being washed away daily. You can combat the greasiness by washing every day at first, then reducing to two or three times a week. Your hair will eventually look and feel great!

This recipe can be used for more than an oily scalp. Switch up the essential oils to combat thinning hair, for a normal cleaning shampoo, or to cater to men. Here are some essential oils to try to switch it up:

Thin and Thick Hair

With thin hair, you have to be careful about which oils you choose because you do not want to weigh your hair down or leave it looking greasy. Rosemary 1,8-Cineole is a great option for thin hair. It can help support a healthy scalp and promote luscious-looking locks. Add it to your favorite shampoo or conditioner and use as directed.

Another great option is Lemongrass. Lemongrass has a refreshing and uplifting aroma that is not only a great addition to shampoo, but it is also an effective cleanser that can strengthen your hair follicles. To use Lemongrass add 5 drops to an ounce of your shampoo or condition, or use 2-3 drops in a tablespoon of Jojoba Carrier Oil and massage into the scalp daily and then rinse after 1-3 minutes.

Although Coconut Oil is still a great option for thick hair, Organic Argan Oil is your best bet when it comes to this hair type. Organic Argan is a thicker carrier oil, which thick hair can handle. You can use it in a hair mask or on wet hair before drying and styling. Argan Oil is conditioning and rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids that are ideal for keeping your thick hair nourished and looking fabulous.

We’ve looked into a few hair types and have given you some suggestions on how to enhance your hair care routines with essential oils and carrier oils. These are great options because they are chemical free, which your hair will thank you for. Have you used any essential oils or carrier oils for your hair? Which ones did you like? Comment below, we would love to hear from you!

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Hello, I am Brodie Lapray. I was born and raised in the wonderful state of Idaho. I have 3 amazing daughters and 3 wild little boys. I enjoy the outdoors and making memories with my kids. We are always going on fun adventures like fishing, hunting, kayaking, or just being outside enjoying the beautiful Idaho view.

A little over three years ago I was lucky enough to join the Plant Therapy family and I have spent the last three years as the synergy blender. I had the opportunity to become an Aromatherapist and I love it! Aromatherapy has brought wonderful changes to my life.

It was hard choosing my 5 favorite essential oils because I love so many and use them for so many different things. So, I decided to pick the ones I use the most.

Helichrysum Italicum

Helichrysum Italicum is my go-to oil for skin issues. Helichrysum has many wonderful uses on the skin, including calming red, inflamed areas and soothing irritation caused by nature’s pests. Helichrysum oil can help relieve an itch very quickly and help the skin recover faster. Helichrysum in body butters and lotions is great for dry skin care. Helichrysum helps to relieve, soothe, and rejuvenate unhealthy skin. I add Helichrysum to olive lotion at a 2% dilution for soft, smooth and moisturized skin.

Lemon

The fresh smell of Lemon Essential Oil always uplifts my spirits. I think of it as sunshine in a bottle, and when diffused Lemon not only elevates your mood, it is very energizing. It also helps to support a healthy immune system and is a wonderful germ buster, so it’s great in cleaning products. I have many different uses for Lemon Essential Oil and here is a recipe I love for my legs.

Rosemary has been my best friend over the last year. I was struggling with my memory and remembering everything I was learning in a class I was taking and Rosemary helped me out a lot. When blended with Cardamom and Cedarwood Virginia in an inhaler not only does the aroma smell amazing, it also boosts brain power.

Cedarwood Texas

Cedarwood Texas is the newest Cedarwood to join the Plant Therapy line and right away I was in love with the smell. It’s a warm woodsy smell like an old cedar chest I had as a kid. It is amazing in soaps and balms. I add Cedarwood Texas and Orange Sweet to my hand cream. The smell is wonderful and it helps to tone the skin. When diffused it is a very calming oil and helps to reduce feelings of anger.

Bouquet Synergy

Bouquet is a Plant Therapy synergy I use in my home a lot. I really enjoy the smell and it is KidSafe, too. I add a few drops to a dryer sheet to freshen up the smell of my laundry. I also use Bouquet to freshen up my carpets.

~ Carpet Deodorizer ~

Mason jar with lid

Baking soda

30 drops Bouquet Synergy

I like to mix the oil into the baking soda using a bowel, so I can make sure it is mixed well. Then I pour the mixture into the mason jar and, using a nail, poke holes into the lid of the jar. Sprinkle on the carpet, leave on for 30 minutes then vacuum up. Voila! Fresh smelling carpets.

I am Diane Mishler. In addition to being a Certified Aromatherapist, I am also a Licensed Massage Therapist.

I have been married for 34 years to my best friend. We have three children and five grandchildren. I love meeting people and am one of “those people” in the grocery store who will start up a conversation with people that I don’t know. I feel like I’m at the stage in my life when I can let go of life’s emotional expendables, pursue dreams, and help others more fully.

I love learning and putting knowledge to work. Essential oils are a perfect outlet for me and I love to curl up with a good book about constituents at the end of a long day! I also love to cook, travel, and be with my family. I’d like to share my favorite essential oils with you. Of course, it’s asking the impossible to pin your favorites down to 5, but I absolutely love these:

Cedarwood Himalayan Cedrus deodara , to me, smells amazing. When I inhale Cedarwood, I wish that I had the lung capacity of an opera singer! The scent is so effective and calming for me that simply inhaling it takes me to another place. I also love Cedarwood because it has great skin properties. It calms and nourishes the skin and I’ve used it in facial blends. One of my most favorite uses is when I have a sore throat caused by either irritation, allergies, or even muscles, I dilute Cedarwood Himalayan to 2% and apply to my neck in the sore spots; within minutes I feel relief.

Bergamot Citrus bergamiaalmost pushes the Cedarwood Himalayan out of the top spot. It was very close and in some instances, it might win. Bergamot has such a lovely citrusy scent with a spicy undertone. It reminds me of and transports me to the beautiful Italian orchards from which it’s harvested. It’s so vivid, bright, and cheerful, it’s hard to feel sadness or worry around Bergamot. It’s like a best friend. It helps me with respiratory issues, tickly throats, and congestion. When I use Bergamot for these issues they can become minimized. I also find it helpful for skin issues and irritations, and in addition, Plant Therapy’s Bergamot is not phototoxic.

Add to an Aromatherapy Inhaler and inhale throughout the day when a tickly throat occurs to feel relief.

Oh Vetiver Vetiveria zizonioides, how I love you. When my mind won’t stop and I need to slow down in the evening, you are there for me. It doesn’t take a lot, just a drop or two with some other oils in a diffuser blend or personal inhaler, and it does the trick. Vetiver is also wonderful for swelling and cooling. This and its relaxing properties make it nice in a massage blend for sore, hot muscles or joints. It also helps with worry or lack of sleep as it sweeps away worrisome thoughts from your mind. It can be useful for skin issues, like blemishes, red, dry, patchy skin, and for minor wounds.

Tranquil Synergy is one of Plant Therapy’s synergies that I’ve chosen. As I only had a couple of spots left, I had to choose carefully and Tranquil speaks to me. It is a beautiful blend that calms, which helps me peel away excess thoughts so I can focus. It has those citrus notes that I love as well as earthy elements too. Tranquil is great diffused and you will soon find your breathing slowing down just a little and remembering what is good in life.

Wood Spice – mmmm. So warm, inviting, and spicy! I love the way the 5 essential oils in this synergy blend together, and they seem to improve with time. I’m definitely seeing a pattern here. I seemed to have picked relaxing, calming oils for my top 5 picks and this must be what I need at this time. Wood Spice is something both women and men will love and it may solve many quarrels! It is grounding, soothing to frayed nerves, and would be great in a lotion, massage oil, or even perfume. I put it in soaps at a low dilution or an aromatherapy inhaler to help me through an intense day.

Melt the Melt and Pour Soap Base in a microwave safe bowl in increments of 20 seconds, stirring each time, until melted.

Add coloring and essential oils, and mix.

Spray silicone mold with rubbing alcohol.

Pour soap into molds and spray tops of soap again with alcohol.

Let set for a few hours before removing from mold. The number of soaps will depend on the size of the mold.

It’s been such a positive experience becoming a Certified Aromatherapist and working at Plant Therapy. I’ve learned so much from having to do research, interacting with our great customers, and working with such wonderful, knowledgeable co-workers. I appreciate having the opportunity to share my 5 favorite essential oils with you and hope that if you haven’t given these a try, that you might in the future.

Many are plagued by dry skin, especially during the cold, harsh winter months. Dry skin is characterized by having nearly invisible pores, red patches, a dull and rough complexion, visible lines, and a lack of elasticity. This skin type can be prone to cracks, irritation, and inflammation and can be made worse by harsh cleansers, hormones, indoor heating, and weather changes. Using a natural skincare routine that utilizes products with humectant and emollient properties can be very beneficial.

Using the wrong cleanser can easily create chaos for your skin and it can take weeks to calm the irritation and roughness after using such a product. To help our customers that tend to be dry, Plant Therapy created our Oil Cleanser for Normal/Dry Skin. To use this cleanser rub four to six drops into dry hands and apply evenly over dry face. Wet the face and massage gently. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel. Avoid the eye area when washing the face or using as a moisturizer.

Many essential oil users also like to use the Oil Cleanse Method which you can read more about here. If you do attempt to use this method I would recommend reducing the amount of castor oil as it can be very drying to already parched skin.

We recommend cleansing the face twice daily, once in the morning and once before bedtime.

Toners

Toners are often used after washing your face to help finish the cleansing process and help with the appearance of pores. Hydrosols are great options to use as toners but it is important to choose the right ones for your skin type. As noted above we recommend Helichrysum, Lavender, and Rose for dry skin. Try the following blend for a well balanced toner:

Mix together in a 4 ounce bottle and spritz the face after cleansing. Refrigerate between uses.

Moisturizers

While both the cleansers and toners listed above offer some emollient properties, it is important to also use a moisturizing agent for dry skin after cleansing. Both our DermiSoothe and Near Perfection carrier oil blends are great choices and can be applied right after the cleansing process.

For severely dry skin you can create this helpful DIY Moisturizing Cream:

Add the essential oils to a tablespoon of Jojoba and then combine with the rest of the ingredients. Apply the mask and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the mask with cold water and gently pat dry. Follow up with a moisturizer.

If you are diligent with following this routine you can drastically improve the appearance and bring moisture back to your skin.

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Plant Therapy recently launched our new Oil Facial Cleansers for Oily and Normal/Dry Skin. Many of you have asked which cleansers the Aromatherapists use and what other products we add to our natural skincare routine. Here’s the thing, the skincare routine that I use for my sensitive skin, won’t work for everyone. When choosing essential oils, carrier oils, and hydrosols it is important to be aware of your skin type and choose the products that are best suited for it.

Since this is such a frequently asked question I wanted to address it here on the blog in order to help as many people as possible. Before I can make recommendations for products based on skin types, it is important to first determine yours. There are several ways to determine skin type. Today we are going to discuss three of those ways. To perform these tests you will need a mild cleanser, blotting sheets, and your beautiful face!

Blotting Sheet Method

The first method I would like to discuss is the blotting sheet method. To perform this test take the blotting paper and lightly dab the different areas on your face. Upon completion examine the sheet by holding it up to a source of light. If you find that little to no oil is present then it is most likely that you have dry skin. If the sheet has a light amount of oil from the forehead and nose area then you typically have normal/combination skin. If upon examination you find that the blotting paper is covered with oil then you have oily skin.

Bare-Faced Method

The next method that can be used to determine your skin type is called the bare-faced method. To perform this test gently cleanse and dry your face. Do not use any moisturizing agents or toners. After an hour evaluate your skin and check for shine. If your skin is tight and parched then you have dry skin. If your t-zone is shiny but your cheeks are not then you have normal/combination skin. If the shine covers your forehead, nose, and cheeks it is most likely that you have oily skin.

Pore Size Method

The last method I would like to discuss is the pore size method. After cleansing your face take a look at your pores in the mirror. If you can’t see your pores it is likely that you have dry skin. Those with normal skin will be able to see their pores but they won’t be large. If you can still see your pores after taking a few steps back from the mirror it is most likely that you have oily skin.

Sensitive Skin

These methods help us to determine whether we have dry, normal/combination, or oily skin but what about sensitive skin? It may not come as a surprise but if you have sensitive skin, you most likely know it. Those who have sensitive skin have had an adverse reaction to a skincare or cosmetic product at some point in their lives and often times it is difficult to find a product that doesn’t cause irritation and redness. The good news is using natural skin care products such as carrier oils, certain essential oils, and hydrosols can reduce your likelihood of having an adverse reaction.

Over the next few weeks, we will address each skin type and provide recommendations that are specific to your specific concern. In the meantime, if you have questions about choosing the right products for you, be sure to email an Aromatherapist at aromatherapist@planttherapy.com.

Now that Plant Therapy has added Castile Soap to our line of products, I went in search of different ways to use it. To my surprise, there are hundreds of uses for it! While I am testing out and tweaking these recipes I thought I would share a few of my favorites.

Add carrier/essential oils mixture to the body wash, stirring well. Mixture will turn opaque and thicken slightly as you stir

Add carrier/essential oil/body wash mixture to Epsom salt

Stir well

Package in a container of your choice, but do be sure it’s airtight!

To use, run about 1/4 cup under your warm water as you fill the tub. This is the perfect way to send yourself or your little one, or yourself, off to bed all calm and snuggly!

Plant Therapy’s Castile Soap is unscented making it safe for kids and adults alike to use for effective and safe cleaning. This soap is perfect for hand, body, and face washing, as well as for dishes, mopping, and other household chores. This green, nontoxic soap base is perfect because of its many, many uses. We will be sharing more of these many uses with you soon!

How do you like to use Castile Soap?

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By Kimberly Daun, Certified Aromatherapist

Copaiba is an Oleoresin obtained by tapping a tree for its resin. Plant Therapycurrently sources its Copaiba from both Brazil and El Salvador, and since we provide batch specific GC/MS reports it will be easy for you to figure out where your bottle is from. Its aroma is smooth like milk chocolate, and has a gently wooded scent.

Copaiba is primarily from deep in the majestic Amazon rain forests. The Amazons’ alone produce 500 tons of oil-resin each year. [1] It has a 2-3 year shelf life when stored in a cool and dark environment, giving you plenty of time to use this oil.

It has a unique chemical constituent; Beta-Caryophyllene. You’re probably asking yourself, B what?! Don’t worry, I’ll break it down! Beta-caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene also found in significant amounts in Black Pepper, Beta-caryophyllene is a major constituent credited with targeting parts of the brain which help minimize feelings of nervousness and worry. It is also credited with easing feelings of sadness and discouragement. The specific findings of this study were published online in the journal Physiology & Behavior. [2] This main constituent is also credited with minimizing the perception of inflammation and discomfort. It is excellent at giving you an immune boost and helping you avoid seasonal threats. [3]

It’s important to keep in mind that it’s the synergy of all constituents that really gives an essential oil its power. Knowing about the individual constituents gives you a better basis for blending for a specific purpose. Copaiba is made up of more than 85% constituents in the sesquiterpene family, making it highly sought after to help reduce the perception of inflammation, help you to feel grounded, and assist in healing broken skin.

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In Pregnancy and Nursing Safety – Part 1 we learned that essential oils should only be used sparingly while pregnant and often times it is best to limit oil usage to relieving unpleasant pregnancy symptoms. Although not completely restricted, exercising caution with the use of essential oils with babies and small children is paramount.

As an expecting Mom, who wants to lessen the amount of harsh chemicals used in my home, such as chlorine and bleach, these guidelines left me in a bit of a pickle. While I love to use essential oils in homemade cleaning products, I want to limit my growing baby’s exposure both while in the womb and once he arrives. After doing some research, I stumbled upon the wonderful cleaning properties of infused vinegar. Lucky for me, I even had dried lavender on hand to create lavender infused vinegar. I can’t tell you guys how much I love this stuff!

To create lavender infused vinegar add 1 cup of lavender buds to 3 cups of vinegar. Let the mixture infuse for 2-6 weeks. I went with 4 weeks and it was just perfect!

Here are a few ways I have used it so far:

Surface Cleaner

1 part lavender infused vinegar

2 parts water

Add to a spray bottle, shake well, and get to work! I use this as a cleaner for counters, windows, mirrors, etc.

Fabric Softener

Add ¼ a cup of lavender infused vinegar to your washers final rinse cycle. Not only does this make your laundry smell great but it really softens!

Soothing Bath

Add one tablespoon of lavender infused vinegar to a warm bath to soothe away worries and nourish the skin.

If you have children under the age of two and would like to use essential oils in cleaning products, we would encourage you to use them while your little ones are in a different room. Once the area has cleared for 30-60 minutes your babies can return to the area.

Welcome back to Essential Education. I hope you are finding this series is encouraging greater confidence toward exploration of your essential oils by distilling down some basic information. At the same time, we want to encourage you to continue your education through reputable books and classes. This is just a start to help support you on your way.

With that under our belts, I now want to address another question we are often asked. As aromatherapists, folks want to know our list of favorite oils. This is actually a hard question to answer for a few reasons.

First, ask a bunch of aromatherapists the same question, and you very likely will not ever get the same two lists. Maybe some overlap, but that’s it. Even if you limit the sample group to the Plant Therapy aromatherapy team and the essential oils Plant Therapystocks you likely will get some shared oils, but the not the same two lists.

Why?

First, because choosing essential oils is a very personal choice. Look at patchouli for example. Goodness! Talk about a polarizing oil based on scent. The patchouli lovers will sing its praises while the patchouli haters will be running for the hills. It doesn’t matter how wonderfully patchouli works for various wellness concerns, you won’t get a patchouli hater on board.

Second, choosing essential oils must be matched to the concern and the unique needs for whom you are choosing it. What you choose to ease soreness and stiffness at bedtime in an adult might be very different that what you choose for a child during the day. And, there are very often multiple choices. Added to that, see #1 above.

What that means is that, while there are multiple choices of essential oils available within the world of aromatherapy, the best are those that match the unique needs of each individual. Once you distill this down, the lists become shorter and varied, not only from person to person, but even for the same individual at different times.

So, when you ask us about our list of favorites, it is really just that. A list of favorites that we love because we are drawn to them and they suit our personal needs.

What you really might want to know is why certain oils have made our favorites list(s).

If we can frame it this way, then, you can explore if the choices others make might match your needs as well. This is really important when you are reading a recipe, getting a recommendation, or reviewing a list of possible essential oil choices.

Within this framework, I am going offer MyTop Five Workhorse Oils, and I am going to tell you why. My intention is that by sharing some insight about why they made my list, it will provide inspiration to build your own, much like you would take inspiration for home decor, or fashion from design pages in a magazine. If some of these essential oils suit your personal needs and preferences, great! If not, I hope it will give you a boost to build your own list!

So, what do I mean by workhorse oils? I mean these little powerhouses can pack a punch by pretty much covering all the basic bases. They are well rounded in their application with very few safety concerns. If could only choose five to cover my needs, these would be it.

This is an all-around favorite essential oil for it’s many uses, its uplifting scent, and it’s ability to infuse a joyful spirit into any blend.

Bergamot can be used for relaxing the mind, relaxing the body, releasing tight knots and tension, lifting the mood and spirit, helping to balance the nervous system, supporting the digestive distress, soothing the skin, and as support during times of seasonal threats.

Cautions: I choose bergamot that is bergapten-free so it is sun safe and Kidsafe. Bergamot that contains bergapten is highly phototoxic.

This is one of the most powerful, yet gentle, essential oils for relaxing mind and body.

Roman Chamomile is strongly supportive for easing into sleep and for easing tight knots in the muscles. It is very soothing to the nervous system for children and adults, alike. Wonderful for easing tension around the head and neck, especially if the feeling is intensive enough to make you feel unwell. Wonderful for soothing the skin, especially if you’ve experienced too much sun, have reddened or irritated conditions, or have itching or stinging from bug bites.

Cautions: None known. KidSafe.

Cleansing and clearing

Calming and relaxing

Provides a powerful assist before bedtime

Strongly supportive in reducing intense worrying

Soothes nervous tension

One of the best at smoothing tight muscle contractions

Helps to soothe discomfort of the head and neck.

Eases tired, tight and aching muscles and joints

Soothing to the skin, especially for reddened, irritated and itching conditions, including bug bites and stings

This is, by far, my favorite nurturing go-to. This is a sweet little powerhouse with an amazingly wide range of potential uses due to a uniquely balanced composition.

Fragonia recently replaced both tea tree and eucalyptus on my short-list of workhorse oils for its comparable applications, but with a more gentle approach and softer scent. This is my go-to for all things respiratory during times of seasonal illness, whether I’ve been exposed, or the yuckies have already boarded. It is also my go-to for tired and overworked muscles that need some support to relax. It is wonderfully relaxing before bed and emotionally supportive.

Broad-spectrum support for clearing and cleansing

Powerful support for respiratory health for seasonal pollen or illness

Promotes clear breathing when congested

Supports the immune system, especially during convalescence

Soothing to irritated skin and eruptions

Helps to alleviate discomfort for overexertion of muscles and aging joints

This oil has been revered for years as the workhorse of all workhorses.

Oh my goodness. For many of us, lavender is what drew us in. It might not be the most powerful in some situations, but it covers the bases and is a supporting oil in many blends. Balancing to the nervous system for a wide range of distress, soothing before slumber, a workhorse for all things related to discomfort of the muscles and soft tissue discomfort and distress, and broad-spectrum applications for supporting the skin.

This powerhouse packs a potent punch whether you need to calm down problems in the body, or stimulate the mind. It can be either warming or cooling topically depending on how it is applied.

Peppermint is my power tool of workhorse oils for the boost it brings blended into synergies for the mind and body. Powerfully stimulating and focusing to the mind, powerfully supportive for digestive distress, powerfully supportive for a congested respiratory system, and powerfully relieving for an achy and weary body, or tension around the head and neck.

Cautions: Do not apply near the face of infants or children. Maximum dilution of 5% for topical applications. If you want to use a KidSafe oil, you can replace with Spearmint (mentha spicata) from the same family, which provides more gentle, but similar actions.

Eases discomfort and aches in the muscles and joints

Powerful support in reducing muscular contractions

Reduces tension around the head and neck

Soothes spastic digestive distress, a queasy stomach and general upset

Helps to clear congested breathing during seasonal illness

Cooling when feeling overheated, or in hot weather.

Mentally stimulating.

Supports alertness and concentration

Uplifting to the spirit

So, now that I have provided some information about why I have chosen my Top Five Workhorse Oils, I am hoping you will take inspiration for the following challenges should you choose to accept the mission:

Lawless, Julia. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils in Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health & Well-being. London: HarperThorsons, 2014. Print.

Worwood, Valerie Ann. Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 800 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant … Recipes to Create Health, Beauty, and Safe Home an. Place of Publication Not Identified: New World Library, 2016. Print.

The intention of this Essential Education series is to help instill some confidence with basic information to help you move from memorization to exploration. The method described here is just one method of blending, with some basic parameters to help keep things simple, yet effective. Once you learn more, you will find what works best for your style and needs as an aromatherapy enthusiast.

Blending varies by type of aromatherapy practiced:

As you begin to explore more, you will see many different methods to blending. For example:

By chemistry/constituents – often used in clinical aromatherapy

By scent/notes – often used in perfumery

By therapeutic action – using historically known applications for a remedy of a wellness concern of body, mind or spirit.

For most home enthusiasts, blending by therapeutic action most often suits personal aromatherapy concerns. You will find many of the home reference books written in this way.

Blending is an art:

As you study more about blending you will see, even within areas of specialty, aromatherapists have their own way of going about it. Aromatherapy is indeed a natural healing art, and blending is a big part of the art.

A blend of undiluted essential oils is called a synergy:

The concept of an essential oil synergy is that the outcome of the blended oils is going to have greater value than the essential oils working alone. If you blend more quantity than for a single use, you will also see the synergy referred to as a master blend, or a stock blend.

Ok, ready to get started?

Step 1: Planning Your Blend

Before we begin blending, it is important to know what you are seeking to accomplish by answering some key questions. This list is not all inclusive, but is outlined to give you some idea of the planning needed before you even begin to prepare your blend.

What concern are you looking to support?

It is best to address one primary thing at a time.

Your blend can have some supporting effects, which we will address.

For whom is this blend being made?

A healthy adult?

Child?

Someone who is pregnant or nursing?

How is this blend going to be used?

Inhalation?

Topically?

Short-term?

Longer-term?

Are there any safety concerns?

Does it need to be KidSafe?

Are the oils phototoxic?

Maximum dermal applications?

Health concerns?

Potential medication interactions?

Other considerations?

Time of day to be used?

Scent preferences or aversions?

Step 2: Choosing Your Essential Oils

Now that you have answered questions such as those above, you can begin to choose your essential oils. There may be a variety of choices, but some oils work better together either synergistically, and/or how they smell.

To begin, we are going to keep blending simple. And, we are going to blend by therapeutic action as a starting point for this exercise.

I learned my preferred process for choosing my oils to blend from Jade Shutes, an aromatherapy educator, and author. When you are ready for more complexity, I highly recommend her manual “The Dynamics of Blending,” for learning blending in far more detail and depth . Jade advocates a three-step approach to choosing your oils, summarized below:

First Oil/Primary – addresses primary concern

Second Oil/Supporting – supports the first oil for the primary concern

Third Oil/Enhancing – brings the blend together and enhances the effects of the synergy

A few more additional oils could be added to enhance the overall synergy, but let’s start with the basics. I have created many effective blends using simply three oils. Once you get going and gain your confidence and more education, you could certainly begin to branch out to more complex methods and synergies.

Step 3: Creating Your Blend

To help get you started, you will find a worksheet below to help record your progress and process:

Select Your First Oil — to address your primary concern, ensuring it meets the criteria in the planning phase.

Select a Second Oil — to support your primary concern and to support the first oil.

Take the caps off the two bottles and hold them together. Gently waft the caps together under your nose (note: you don’t want to touch your nose or take a big sniff. Just a gentle inhale as it passes by).

How is the scent? Is it generally pleasing? If you like it, proceed. If not choose another oil you want to go with your first choice oil and start again.

Select a Third Oil — to bring together the overall blend

What enhancing effect do you want to add to your blend? Do you want to enhance the scent? Do you want to enhance the overall action? Do you want to add a supporting action? All the above?

Hold the cap of the third oil with the caps of other two oils and do the wafting experiment again. Is the scent generally pleasing? Are you happy with the combination of the three in general? If so, then you are ready to proceed.

(Trust me, marking each drop immediately is critical. If you think you will remember what you did when you are done, ask me how many times I have lost my place with which oil I just dropped, or how many recipes I have forgotten by the time I finished dropping and smelling my oils!)

Now, take a smell of what you have so far. How do you like it? What would you like to increase or mute?

Add one drop of the next oil you choose. It can be any of the three. Don’t forget to write it down.

Smell again.

Add the final drop of any of the three oils you choose and smell. How do you like it? Love it? Great! You have your blend. Don’t love it? Start again, adjusting the choice of which oils to bring out more in the blend and which ones you want to stay in the background.

3) Record your Recipe

Once you are finished, be sure to write down your synergy recipe and store in a safe place.

Recipes are written in descending order of volume (which oil you used most first, and then, alphabetically.

It is good practice to also include the Latin names, so you remember which variety you used.

Be sure to write down the purpose of the blend.

If you created a synergy that is larger in volume than for single use, be sure to label the bottle.

If you created a master or stock blend, also be sure to date it. Your shelf life will be determined by the essential oil in the synergy with the shortest shelf life when stored properly.

Examples of sample blends using the 3 Oil/5 Drop Method

These are all mini-master blends to sample if you are looking for some inspiration to get started. Feel free to change the amount of each oil in the synergy suited to your own personal sense and needs should you wish. If you have gotten to know your oils, you can even play with making substitutions that better suit you.

"Our ultimate goal is not to be the largest essential oil company; it is to positively impact the lives of as many people as humanly possible. Ultimately, we feel this is possible only by providing our customers with an exceptional experience that keeps them coming back. By selling such a high quality product at an affordable price, we not only positively affect the lives of our customers, it also gives us the financial means by which we can help those who are less fortunate to live a happier, healthier, and more productive life." – Chris Jones, President of Plant Therapy Inc.